Boardman Dam removal

Location Michigan

Timeline2017-2018

ConstructionMethodsdewatering, bypass pumping

Scope

Michels designed, furnished and installed a siphon system to draw down water elevation in a pond impoundment area and maintain upstream river flow during the removal of a high-risk dam. The system consisted of 14 30-inch HDPE siphons, flow-monitoring meters, stainless steel knife gate valves and a priming system.
During drawdown, the system bypassed 179,000 gallons per minute. Once the level was lowered 12 feet to the required elevation, the system maintained a river flow of 125,000 gallons per minute plus any additional water inflow caused by weather to prevent recharge of the impound area. The month-long 24/7 operation and monitoring process maintained proper upstream river levels.
Once siphons were no longer needed, all equipment had to be dismantled, loaded up and off site within a 15-day period.